Merced, CA Criminal Defense Law Firms & Lawyers

Your boyfriend's first lesson on this situation is simply "you get what you pay for". This is a complaint I get all the time from people who try to go on the cheap when they are accused of committing a criminal offense. That is why it is critical for anyone accused of a crime to retain a responsible private attorney. As to your question, the judge will probably refer the case back to the public defender's office and a new PD will be assigned. Hopefully the next one will take serious interest in the case and actually prepare a defense. My best advice for both of you is to find some money and engage a private attorney to avoid being railroaded into a conviction.

Each state has their own requirements for eligibility to have a charge expunged. Generally, the factors to be considered include how long it has been since the conviction or termination of probation and whether a person has other convictions or arrests. You should contact an attorney in your local jurisdiction for more specific advice on whether you are eligible.

More information is needed as to exactly what happened. Were the police called? Did your receive a citation/notice to appear in court? Were you arrested? Did the store obtain your identification, etc.? Without knowing all the details of what happened, it's impossible to give you an accurate answer.